I’ve been writing for two years, and I’ve been dodging this line of enquiry for too long.
The core of this enquiry (or questions I get from multiple readers) is why are my views are so different from everything else that they read on the internet.
For example, with sunscreen, why do I emphasise % of UV filters, when others tell them to ignore it . And why am I persistently sceptical about published SPFs and UVA protection of sunscreens.
Today’s blog is about addressing this elephant in the room.
I want you to be able to see the world and data through my eyes and appreciate, that in areas such as skincare, there is no such thing as the ten commandments for Indian skin type. And importantly, that there is always room for another rational, reasoned and science focussed voice (ie. mine)
But before that…
At the outset, I’d like to place myself in context for you, as my cultural identity informs many of my decisions.
I am an NRI, and I am currently living in my 6th country as an economic migrant. Like many Indians, I have an MBA from a top B-school, a CA and an LL.B that I can place after my name. I have worked principally in financial services (asset management), and my last job was in equity research.
All these things identify my attitude to decision-making, and as a person, I am risk-averse. I take calculated conservative risks in absolutely everything I do. For example, I have never told anyone that I love them (and be in no doubt that I do love).
Why did I start my blog?
Honestly, I got fed up with people who live in pollution-free cities and having the privilege of spending US$ 500 on skincare, telling me I need to use retinoids and should just use fragrance-free products.
I write my blog because I have a dark wheatish complexion and exfoliating acids and retinoids are not the answer to my skin issues, because the MELANIN (skin pigment) in my skin can cause an adverse reaction. This reaction can include darker skin tone, increased pigmentation (post-inflammation hyperpigmentation etc) and photosensitivity. And before I forget, look at the Aunties in your friends & family circle. How many of them after about 50 or so have melasma?
I am obsessed with hyper-pigmentation, tanning and fairness. Show me an Indian society that isn’t, and I’ll show you a miracle.
Finally, people of colour get a raw deal: most scientific research, clinical trials on skincare, including sunscreen trials, DO NOT include people of colour.
Therefore, it is all about looking at the same skincare products (ie sunscreen) through MELANIN tinted glasses and my cultural identity as an educated Indian. It is an identity I share with hundreds of millions of Indian women. So about the size of the population of the USA, give or take a few million here or there.
My case for Indians to wear sunscreen
My sunscreen pillars (I know, how very “consulting” of me)
I am very happy to engage in all or every conversation on this topic and please feel free to give me feedback on what I may not be seeing. My email address is email@happyskindays.com
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